A group opposing a new equestrian and retail center in Wellington is applauding a move by the South Florida Water Management District to stop work at the construction project.

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The district's Environmental Resource Compliance Bureau sent a violation notice to developer Mark Bellissimo in March saying the project did not apply for an environmental resources permit. The letter ordered that: "All further construction shall cease immediately until proper authorization is obtained from the District."

SFWMD spokesman Randy Smith said this work stoppage only applies to earth-moving projects on site. Smith said the developer has been working with the district to obtain the proper permits, but it is unknown how long that process might take.

The World Dressage Center has found critics in Wellington, where many worry that the project's condos, retail and office space are not in keeping with the equestrian preserve.

"We thank the South Florida Water Management District for pinpointing the violation and stopping construction immediately," said Mat Forrest, executive director for the Wellington Equestrian Preservation Alliance. "Unfortunately, this is what happens when you have a developer with a history of building first and getting approval second."

Many credit this issue with the recent election defeat of Wellington's mayor.

"This is why the voters of Wellington wanted new leadership," Forrest said. "They don't want developers having free reign to do as they please in the village."

Daniel S. Rosenbaum, Bellissimo's attorney, said the developer is out of town.

"It's a technical issue that's in the process of being resolved," said Rosenbaum. "There really should not be any complexities with it getting completed."